In what is becoming a rite of autumn, the Eagles traded for running back Jerome Harrison today, just before the NFL's 4 pm trade deadline.

The Birds sent running back Ronnie Brown to Detroit for Harrison and a seventh-round pick in 2013. Harrison, 28, came to the Eagles last Oct. 13 from the Browns in a trade for disappointing free-agent acquisition Mike Bell. Harrison then left in free-agency last summer, seeking a bigger role.

“We’re excited to reacquire Jerome Harrison and add another draft pick in 2013," GM Howie Roseman said. "Jerome had a lot of success in Philadelphia last season, and he adds another back to the LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis contingent. We want to thank Ronnie Brown for his contributions over the past six games and we wish him the best of luck in Detroit. Jerome fits a zone scheme. He has good vision, instincts, runs downhill, and has quick feet. He’s a great character guy and will do whatever we ask him to do. He can catch the football. We’re really excited about him joining LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis.”

When Harrison didn't want to return the Eagles signed Brown, 29, a former Dolphins star, who has been just about as big a disappointment as Bell was a year ago. Brown will be remembered for fumbling a ball away on what he said was a pass attempt at the goal line in a one-point loss to the 49ers Oct. 2.

Meanwhile, Harrison has just 14 carries for 41 yards in Detroit, behind Jahvid Best, so it seems safe to say he didn't find the larger role there he was seeking. He gained 239 yards on just 40 Eagles carries last season, 6 yards a carry, and was more effective in short yardage than Brown has been this season.

“I didn’t know if somebody was playing or not, but then once I realized it was serious, I was like ‘cool,’ you know, play for a great coach, great organization," Harrison said. "I’m excited to be back. The week off will be huge to get back in the playbook and start hearing the terminology again. I have been checking out the Eagles to see how LeSean is doing and he’s doing great. I’m excited to be back.”

The Eagles undoubtedly again tried to find takers for corner Asante Samuel, who has been available ever since the arrival of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha, but that was a longshot, and Samuel will stay here.

The Oakland Raiders were reported to have inquired about Eagles quarterback Vince Young before making the astounding decision to send a first-round draft pick and a second that could become a first to Cincinnati for Carson Palmer today.

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